Diablo #1 Review

DC adds another Blizzard franchise to its lineup.

Thanks to this job, I've read more comics based on or inspired by video games than I'd care to remember. Almost invariably these projects fail to capture the qualities that make the source material great. Diablo is the rare adaptation that gets it right. Ironically, it accomplishes this task by not bothering itself overly much with drawing in elements of the games. The story takes place in the world of Sanctuary, but by and large it could be taking place in any number of fantasy realms.

All this really amounts to is that the series is left free to tell its own tale free of the usual restrictions or obligations. This issue introduces a young hero named Jacob who is simultaneously questing and dodging some shady pursuers. This issue also focuses heavily on flashback scenes that flesh out Jacob's childhood and family relationships.

Diablo #1 isn't what one would call a rousing fantasy epic. Where it succeeds is in terms of characterization. Writer Aaron Williams displays a knack for dialogue. His execution ensures that Jacob comes across as more than another fantasy hero of humble origins. The frequent humor also helps lend this story a distinct voice of its own. The book is somber when it needs to be a slightly silly in other spots. Not unlike a lot of Blizzard games in that regard.

The art style doesn't necessarily evoke the Diablo games, either. This is probably for the best, as whenever adaptations struggle to capture the look of the source material readers usually wind up with the hideous CG visuals of God of War or the "crosshatch like it's 1993" approach in Gears of War. Joseph Lacroix's pencils are fairly loose and scratchy but packed with plenty of energy. The real star is Dave Stewart, who proves why he's still one of the best colorists in the business.

There's not much about Diablo #1 that overtly cries "Diablo!!!" But it is a satisfying read, and that's something far too few of the projects can ever claim.